DVDBeaver Newsletter for the Week of August 30th, 2021
http://www.dvdbeaver.com
THIS WEEK
RELEASES (stacked) include; Criterion, Indicator, Kino, Arrow, Imprint,
Cohen Media, Second Run, Vinegar Syndrome, Fun City Editions.... James L.
Brooks, Cary, Joji Fukunaga, John Badham, Norman J. Warren (multiple), Alan
Parker, Jacques Tourneur, Gus Van, David Lynch X 2 and one in 4K UHD!, another
Forgotten Gialli boxset, Martin Ritt, Michael Winner, Walerian Borowczyk, Albert
Brooks, Frank Perry, Roger Corman, Jean Renoir, ...
THIS WEEK's
CALENDAR UPDATES - HUGE (repeated from last week); Ingmar Bergman get
4K UHD, Criterion finally goes 4K UHD X 3 including Orson Welles, David Lynch
and a brilliant, unsentimental, teen street violence masterwork / John
Carpenter, Demme, 4 Universal Classic Monsters, Rob Reiner-Stephen King, Red
October Hunts, Navarone Guns - all get 4K UHD! / essential Noir from Warner
Archive, silent Hunchbacks, Don Knotts X 5 to Blu, 3 X 70's horror with Olivia
de Havilland, Bette Davis and Elizabeth Montgomery / Kolchak TV, Yokai Monsters
/ more Argento to 4K UHD, Robert's Aldrich and Mulligan / rediscovered Fernando
Ayala / Melville, Bava, Mike Leigh, Fellini, Fassbinder, Giallo, Albert Lewin
magic, Mae West boxset...
THIS WEEK'S
REVIEWS: Poe's Raven with the “Triumvirate of Terror”, 'Dude' Rancho
Deluxe, last feature for engigamtic sex and identity autuer, Negro League
baseball joy, Alain Delon crime double-feature, flying Cold War Creature
Feature, V. Price as a pioneering, lone-wolf, zombie-killer, Nemo-esque blimp
Cap. and Cormanian magician cage-match, wayward Doctor Peter Cushing
decapitator, counter-culture drugs, Satanic 70's leader Strother Martin, Jeff
Bridges questionable wife-killer, African war steals lost youths by
Criterion....
Enjoy,
Gary
Criterion 50%
OFF SALE is still going:
https://amzn.to/3dHXUl7
RELEASES the
WEEK of August 30th, 2021 (Recommended titles have "**")
As Good as It
Gets [Blu-ray] (James L. Brooks, 1997) Imprint
US:
https://amzn.to/3iTVwv8
COMMENTS: Best Actor and Actress Academy Awards went to Jack Nicholson, who
portrays curmudgeonly, psychologically obsessed New York author Melvin Udall,
and Helen Hunt, who co-stars as Carol Connelly, the caring waitress and single
mother who helps draw him out of his successful but isolated existence.
Writer/director James L. Brooks' acclaimed seriocomedy also stars Greg Kinnear,
Shirley Knight, Skeet Ulrich, and Cuba Gooding, Jr. - Region Free
_____________________________
**"Beasts
of No Nation"** Blu-ray - Abraham Attah @Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3zgckBH
CAN: https://amzn.to/3sNTzTR
UK: https://amzn.to/3jjyPjs
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/beasts-of-no-blu-55377989
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_142/beasts_of_no_nation_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Cary Joji Fukunaga's Beasts of No Nation is so impacting - a powerful
film of tragedy, lost youth, corruption, manipulation and much more. The
performances are exceptionally realistic and it can feel like a documentary as
the vérité is so adeptly expressed. I was blown away. The Criterion Blu-ray is
up to their exacting standards - director-approved transfer, director
commentary, interviews and the hour-long documentary. This unforgettable film
should be seen. Our highest recommendation!
_____________________________
**John
Badham's "The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings"**
Blu-ray - Billy Dee Williams / James Earl Jones / Richard Pryor
UK:
https://amzn.to/3ykqpwI
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/john-badhams-all-55469229
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/the-bingo-long-traveling-all-stars-motor-kings-le?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=BINGO-LONG-LE
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/bingo_long_traveling_all-stars_motor_kings_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: John Badham's The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings is
joyful, heartwarming, historical, funny and it has great wardrobe (uniforms),
sets, art direction - highlighted by the HD transfer. We see the injustices in
the era of racial segregation and I love that some characters and situations are
loosely based upon real-life people and incidents... and trying to guess who is
supposed to be who. Ex. Bingo's stunt referencing one by "Satchel" Paige
(calling in his outfield while leading in the ninth inning,) Leon Carter as Josh
Gibson etc. The entertaining Harlem Globetrotter-esque fielding plays are
classic. It's a wonderful film - looking and sounding authentic on the Indicator
Blu-ray that includes a revealing director commentary and the hour documentary -
essential to baseball fans plus another of their great limited edition booklets.
Our highest recommendation!
_____________________________
Bloody New Year
[Blu-ray] (Norman J. Warren, 1987) Region FREE Indicator UK
UK: https://amzn.to/3493esG
INDICATOR: https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/bloody-new-year-bd?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=BLOODY-NEW-YEAR-BD
COMMENTS: Norman J
Warren's final feature as director is also one of his most unclassifiable.
Filmed in Wales, it focuses on a group of teens who find themselves on a
stranded island while holidaying. The island is home to a deserted hotel, where
it's no longer the summer of 1986, but New Year's Eve 1959, cueing a series of
Warren's famed horror set-pieces, involving ghosts, zombies, dismemberment,
decapitations and much, much more besides. Region free
_____________________________
Bugsy Malone
[Blu-ray] (Alan Parker, 1976) Paramount
US:
https://amzn.to/3gf70rd
COMMENTS: Before FAME, PINK FLOYD: THE WALL, THE COMMITMENTS, and EVITA,
acclaimed director Alan Parker redefined the movie musical with his first
feature length film. Set in 1929 New York City, BUGSY MALONE captures a flashy
world of would-be hoodlums, showgirls, and dreamers—all portrayed by child
actors. As Tallulah, the sassy girlfriend of the owner of Fat Sam's Grand Slam
Speakeasy, future superstar Jodie Foster leads a talented cast. Parker’s sharp
script, combined with the music and lyrics of Paul Williams (PHANTOM OF THE
PARADISE) makes for an irresistible satire that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Available
for the first time in the US on Blu-ray, in celebration of its 45th Anniversary,
this limited-edition has been remastered from the original film elements.
_____________________________
**Bernard
McEveety's "The Brotherhood of Satan"**
Blu-ray - Strother Martin @ArrowFilmsVideo @imprint_films
Arrow:
US:
https://amzn.to/2WvLfML
CAN: https://amzn.to/3zn0zJQ
UK: https://amzn.to/3klQHJO
Imprint:
US:
https://amzn.to/2UW3Cd2
CAN: https://amzn.to/3gCyF51
UK: https://amzn.to/3jmt58W
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/bernard-of-satan-55387614
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_141/the_brotherhood_of_satan_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Bernard McEveety's The Brotherhood of Satan is certainly an
interesting horror film with elements of Rosemary’s Baby and I might even
include The Wicker Man. I loved the first 20-minutes with guesses to the plot's
direction, cover-ups and small town desert locale. I was less-enthused with the
overdone rituals later in the film. Strother Martin is allowed to ham it up
somewhat, I always remember L.Q. Jones for his small part in The Edge (barely
scratching the surface of his roles) and Alvy Moore from Green Acres as Hank
Kimball. It was very interesting to learn about their producer-teaming projects
and the unique films they made. I would watch The Brotherhood of Satan again -
there is some nostalgia appeal for early 70's horror. Both Arrow and Imprint
Blu-rays have value with excellent supplements. At the current pricing I would
lean to the Arrow.
_____________________________
The Comedy of
Terrors [Blu-ray] (Jacques Tourneur, 1963) Kino
US:
https://amzn.to/3gedAya
CAN: https://amzn.to/3Bn2DSx
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_65/the_comedy_of_terrors_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Your Favorite Creeps Together Again! Four masters of the macabre star
in this sinister and screamingly funny scare-fest! Waldo Trumbull (Vincent
Price, The Raven) is running his father-in-law’s (Boris Karloff, Black Sabbath)
funeral home business... straight into the ground! Hounded by his landlord
(Basil Rathbone, The Magic Sword), Trumbull and his assistant (Peter Lorre,
Tales of Terror) devise a way to make death pay: by increasing their customer
base through murder and burying the secrets of their success... body by body!
Jacques Tourneur, the diabolical director of Cat People, I Walked with a Zombie,
Out of the Past and War-Gods of the Deep, blended humor and horror for The
Comedy of Terrors, written by Richard Matheson (The Last Man on Earth) and
co-starring Joyce Jameson (The Apartment) with special guest star Joe E. Brown
(Some Like It Hot).
_____________________________
**"Corruption"**
Blu-ray - Peter Cushing @indicatorseries
UK:
https://amzn.to/3gGC9DI
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/corruption-le?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=CORRUPTION-LE
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/corruption-blu-55450117
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/corruption_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Robert Hartford-Davis's Corruption has been given a bad critical rap,
most probably for pushing the envelope in regards to the gruesome, shocking
visuals - that still have head-turning impact today. Peter Cushing (it would
have been his 108th birthday this year!) is excellent and, while the film
doesn't travel in the directions some would hope, it still has a solid concept
and tells a creepy story at a suspense pace. It's a pretty rare-bird and may
have appeal from that standpoint alone. indicator continue with very complete
Blu-ray packages of keen fan films, just like this. Fans of the horror genre,
Cushing or British films of the late 60's - not Hammer but has shades of the
studio's work - will probably appreciate Corruption. The Indicator Blu-ray wins
in all categories, a/v - supplements, between the two editions. Theirs is quite
an impressive package Corruption is still, very much worth seeing and owning,
imo.
_____________________________
The Devil's 8
[Blu-ray] (Burt Topper, 1969) Kino
US:
https://amzn.to/3cVaw8f
CAN: https://amzn.to/2WzXvMc
COMMENTS: A federal agent (Christopher George, Grizzly, Day of the Animals,
Mortuary) helps six convicts escape from a chain gang in order to use them in
his war on a moonshine ring, led by the sadistic Burl (Ralph Meeker, Kiss Me
Deadly, Paths of Glory, The Naked Spur), Fabian (Thunder Alley), Larry Bishop
(Angel Unchained, The Savage Seven), Tom Nardini (Self Defense, The Young
Animals), Robert DoQui (Robocop, Guyana: Cult of the Damned), Joe Turkel (Blade
Runner, The Shining), Ross Hagen (Armed Response, Alienator), Ron Rifkin (TV’s
Alias, Silent Running) and Leslie Parrish (Crash, The Manchurian Candidate) all
star in this two-fisted brutal actioner. Now see it from a brand new HD master!
_____________________________
Double Jeopardy
[Blu-ray] (Bruce Beresford, 1999) Imprint
US: https://amzn.to/3q77GlO
COMMENTS: Hit thriller
stars Ashley Judd as Libby Parsons, a Seattle wife and mother caught in a
nightmare when she's convicted of her killing husband, Nick (Bruce Greenwood).
Her dilemma worsens in prison when she learns Nick is not only alive, but has
framed her for his "murder." Upon her release, Libby devises a plan to gain a
deadly revenge for which the law cannot punish her. Tommy Lee Jones co-stars as
Libby's parole officer; with Annabeth Gish, Roma Maffia. Region Free
_____________________________
**Drugstore
Cowboy** [Blu-ray] (Gus Van Sant, 1989) Imprint
US:
https://amzn.to/2UJlHKT
COMMENTS: Gus Van Sant's acclaimed drama, a sometimes blackly funny-but always
graphic and harrowing-look at the troubled lives of a close-knit group of
nomadic drug addicts in the early-'70s Pacific Northwest, is based on the
autobiographical novel by career criminal James Fogle. Matt Dillon stars as Bob
Hughes, the group's leader, who, after a bungled pharmacy robbery, decides to go
straight. With Kelly Lynch, James LeGros, Heather Graham, and writer William S.
Burroughs. Region Free
_____________________________
**Dune**
[4K UHD Blu-ray] (David Lynch, 1984) Arrow
4K UHD US:
https://amzn.to/3ggcC4h
4K UHD UK: https://amzn.to/3c4BR7k
Blu-ray UK: https://amzn.to/3uyRwCq
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews51/dune_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Following a notorious aborted attempt by Alejandro Jodorowsky in the
1970s, Frank Herbert’s bestselling sci-fi epic Dune finally made it to the big
screen as the third film by emerging surrealist wunderkind David Lynch,
featuring an all-star cast that includes several of Lynch’s regular
collaborators. The year is 10,191, and four planets are embroiled in a secret
plot to wrest control of the Spice Melange, the most precious substance in the
universe and found only on the planet Arrakis. A feud between two powerful
dynasties, House Atreides and House Harkonnen, is manipulated from afar by
ruling powers that conspire to keep their grip on the spice. As the two families
clash on Arrakis, Duke Atreides’ son Paul (Kyle MacLachlan, in his screen debut)
finds himself at the center of an intergalactic war and an ancient prophecy that
could change the galaxy forever.
_____________________________
**Jacques
Deray's "Gang" / "Three Men to Kill"** Blu-ray
- Alain Delon @CohenFilm @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2WvCtOz
CAN: https://amzn.to/3Drqen2
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/jacques-derays-55462117
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/gang_three_men_to_kill_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Well as 'Jacques Deray - Alain Delon' Double Feature. You could see
these both - especially Three Men to Kill - fitting in the Neo-Noir category.
While I wasn't as keen on Gang (Delon's hair was goofy although accurate to his
character I presume) as a disorganized crime-gang actioner, I loved Three Men to
Kill as Delon's 'Michel Gerfaut' gets caught in a strange witness-assassination
attempt - we can see that he's up for the challenge. Yeah, there is value here
on Cohen Media's bare-bones Blu-ray. A superstar actor and a formidable director
of crime and thriller films makes for a decent double-feature night. Watch with
a bottle of Bordeaux.
_____________________________
**The Fifth
Horseman Is Fear** [Blu-ray] (Zbynek Brynych, 1965) RB UK Second Run
UK:
https://amzn.to/3liDjs5
COMMENTS: A Jewish physician in Nazi-occupied Prague is compelled to work
cataloguing the homes and possessions of his countrymen as they are displaced to
designated ghettos. When he helps an injured resistance fighter, he is plunged
into a moral and ethical dilemma, and begins a nightmarish odyssey to help save
the man. Focussing on the intense anxiety, paranoia and terror prevalent in a
fascist state, Zbyněk Brynych’s The Fifth Horseman is Fear subverts its
historical context, creating an expressionistic, thinly disguised allegory about
communist Czechoslovakia – or indeed living under any totalitarian system - that
is richly atmospheric and frighteningly real.
_____________________________
**Forgotten
Gialli: Volume #2** [Blu-ray] (The Girl in Room 2A, The French Sex
Murders, My Dear Killer) Vinegar Syndrome
US:
https://amzn.to/3iibYVi
COMMENTS: With the giallo at its peak in the early 70s, it seemed that every
filmmaker working in Italy was vying to make one and put their unique creative
stamp on this highly popular genre. Presented here are a trio of early 70s
gialli, all directed by filmmakers who had never made one before (or after) and
all presenting wildly different approaches to the genre's most prevalent
trappings.
_____________________________
**The Front**
[Blu-ray] (Martin Ritt, 1976) Region FREE UK Indicator
UK:
https://amzn.to/2RODM9m
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/the-front-bd?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=THE-FRONT-BD
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_61/the_front_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Indicator match the Twilight Time supplements but add more... they
have the same audio commentary by actress Andrea Marcovicci, and film historians
Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman and a theatrical trailer. Indicator augment with
Behind The Front - a 6-minute 2004 interview with the acclaimed director of
photography Michael Chapman about shooting The Front, an image gallery of on-set
and promotional photography and the package comes with their own limited edition
exclusive 36-page booklet with a new essay by professor Gabriel Miller, author
of The Films of Martin Ritt: Fanfare for the Common Man and archival interviews
with Woody Allen, screenwriter Walter Bernstein and director Martin Ritt. It
sports a second disc DVD and is, also, limited to 3,000 copies.
_____________________________
Inseminoid
[Blu-ray] (Norman J. Warren, 1981) Region FREE UK Indicator
UK:
https://amzn.to/3fyVxm3
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/inseminoid-bd?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=INSEMINOID-BD
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews55/inseminoid_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Norman J. Warren's "Inseminoid" is further proof (as if we needed any)
that the director could not just master any old genre picture, but could imbue
it with a completely unique sense of dread and sexual tension. Though some may
prefer his more explicitly 'weirder' or salacious pictures, this is a fine
example of a director utilizing a great team to make a low-budget picture that
looks like a blockbuster. Indicator's new 2K transfer will make you wonder what
the hell a 4K print could look like, since this is rather beautiful. The extras,
oh the extras.... if you have even the slightest inkling to delve into the life
and work of Warren, this set (and this Blu-ray in particular) will certainly
whet your whistle. Highly recommended to fans of off-beat cinema and genre
(sci-fi/horror) pictures.
_____________________________
**Richard
Marquand's "Jagged Edge"** Blu-ray Jeff
Bridges / Glenn Close @indicatorseries
UK:
https://amzn.to/3mBMQLJ
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/jagged-edge-le?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=JAGGED-EDGE-BD
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/jagged-edge-blu-55408116
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_141/jagged_edge_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Richard Marquand's Jagged Edge was part of a mid-80's wave of solid
murder thrillers that had a romance angle - following after 1981's Body Heat,
before Fatal Attraction (with Glenn Close contrastingly playing the 'murderous
paramour') and Sea of Love while prefacing 90's efforts like Paul Verhoeven's
Basic Instinct. This also could be viewed as a suspenseful courtroom drama as we
spend ample time there with surprise revelations. It's certainly above-average
entertainment and part of our neo-noir listing. Jagged Edge has strong
performances from Bridges, Close, Coyote and Loggia. It's one of those film you
love to tuck into - with twists and turns - adeptly realized by Marquand. So
nice to see Indicator provide a real Blu-ray package in their usual complete
fashion. Easily, it is the one to own. Absolutely recommended!
_____________________________
**"The
Last Man on Earth"** Blu-ray - Vincent Price @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3Drayju
CAN: https://amzn.to/3zoauie
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/last-man-on-blu-55411740
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_63/the_last_man_on_earth_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I have a huge soft spot for The Last Man on Earth - the pioneer
precursor of Matheson's 'zombie apocalypse' story that launched into its entire,
own, genre. I could watch this at any time - Vincent Price is great (I can't
imagine anyone else in the role). It's modest budget gives it charm and I love
the widescreen black and white. The Kino Blu-ray is the one to get, imo. A big
'keeper' for me.
_____________________________
**Lawman**
[Blu-ray] (Michael Winner, 1971) RB UK Final Cut Entertainment
UK:
https://amzn.to/2RPK0FY
OUR ALT-REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_78/lawman_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: This is a violent western with a great cast - Burt Lancaster, Robert
Ryan, Lee J. Cobb, Robert Duvall, Sheree North, Ralph Waite, J.D. Cannon, John
Hillerman, Joseph Wiseman, Wilford Brimley and many more. Fans of the genre will
love this retelling of 1955's Man With the Gun starring Robert Mitchum. Both
films deserve a place in our Top 100 Westerns on Blu-ray list. Absolutely
recommended!
_____________________________
**Little
Murders** [Blu-ray] (Alan Arkin, 1971) RB UK Indicator
UK:
https://amzn.to/2R5BxxP
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/little-murders-bd?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=LITTLE-MURDERS-BD
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews27/little_murders_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: A totally, unique and bizarre, black comedy, big-city social satire
dealing with themes of trust, paranoia, indifference... funny, human, touching,
shocking... Little Murders has a lot going for it and bolstering appreciation
are the extensive supplements - including the two commentaries and the many
interviews. Another fabulous choice for Indicator to bring to Blu-ray. A super
package of a lesser-seen film that deserves a winder audience - absolutely
recommended!
_____________________________
**Walerian
Borowczyk's "Love Rites"** Blu-ray - Marina
Pierro @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2WtoMjw
CAN: https://amzn.to/3mHgP4X
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/walerian-love-55472447
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/love_rites_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Walerian Borowczyk's Love Rites is another of the director's film with
themes of sex and identity. I quote from Jeremy Mark Robinson's book "Walerian
Borowczyk: Cinema of Erotic Dreams":
"Walerian Borowczyk
(known as 'Boro') is one of cinema's one-offs. Quite simply, there is no
filmmaker quite like Borowczyk. Borowczyk's films have an astonishing, magical
quality. They reach a place very rare in contemporary cinema, and are quite
unlike the films of any other auteur. Borowczyk's films create their own space,
with imagery, sounds and music of a really exceptional power."
As Eric states in the
DVD comparison of Love Rites, "Based on the novel "Everything Disappears" by
Andre Pieyre de Mandiargues (Borowcyzk's La Marge and Jack Cardiff's Girl on a
Motorcycle), Love Rites is simplistic in plot yet utterly stylish in execution
as one would expect from Borowczyk with festishic attention to objects, delicate
lighting, and painterly composition. Like most male roles in Borowczyk's films,
Carriere's performance is merely functional but he is not asked to do much; in
fact, his lack of facial expression intentionally suggests a stasis of
personality compared to the multi-faceted nature of Pierro's character and the
obsessive attention of the camera to her face as she makes it up on the train."
The Kino Blu-ray should
be very pleasing for Walerian Borowczyk fans - this, Love Rites, being his last
feature. With the essential Bird commentary, both cuts, a short by the director
and the Carriere interview make it a very desirable purchase for cinephiles.
Absolutely recommended!
_____________________________
"Master of the
World" Blu-ray - Vincent Price / Charles Bronson @Kinolorber
US:
https://amzn.to/38kc9t4
CAN: https://amzn.to/3BfBmBm
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/master-of-world-55458372
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/master_of_the_world_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: William Witney's Master of the World isn't the most effective
'Verne-to-screen' fantasy sci-fi but I have fond memories of it as a boy
(nothing beats Mysterious Island for me.) Stalwart Bronson, conniving Price and
crotchety Hull add good flavor alongside the ambitious effects. I do like the
Baxter score as well. Nostalgia was, personally, high for me and others may
enjoy the Captain-Nemo-esque-"destroy the warships" story. The Kino Blu-ray is
the one to get, superior video, and two commentaries (one new, one old) and it
includes the lengthy Matheson documentary plus the packaging. The Weaver et all
commentary alone may be worth it to double-dip. To the niche of fans of this
genre, it is recommended!
_____________________________
**Modern
Romance** [Blu-ray] (Albert Brooks, 1981) Region FREE UK Indicator
UK:
https://amzn.to/2SDWgcG
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/modern-romance-bd?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=MODERN-ROMANCE-BD
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews32/modern_romance_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Albert Brooks' 1981 masterpiece "Modern Romance" is a comedy of such
awkward and lonely moments. Indicator has given us the Blu-ray premiere of the
film with a good transfer, as usual.
_____________________________
**David
Greene's "The People Next Door"** Blu-ray -
Deborah Winters / Eli Wallach @Indicatorseries
UK:
https://amzn.to/2SfXSZN
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/the-people-next-door-le?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=THE-PEOPLE-NEXT-DOOR-LE
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/david-greenes-54069036
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_141/the_people_next_door_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: David Greene's The People Next Door is one of the better 70's films
about the effects on parents of drug use by their children, the generation gap
specifically in regards to the counter culture movement, and new experimentation
with LSD. The daughter seems partly a victim of the changing times than solely
of drug abuse. This expands the film's themes enormously and there are subtle
details involving family stress on relationships - exposing its dysfunction -
and the The People Next Door deals with them objectively. It's filled with bravo
performances from Eli Wallach, Julie Harris, Deborah Winters, Hal Holbrook,
Cloris Leachman and others. The Indicator Blu-ray adds a commentary, multiple
interviews and the limited edition booklet. Both have value but the UK edition
wins in the a/v and supplements. Strongly recommended!
_____________________________
Prey
[Blu-ray] (Norman J. Warren, 1977) Region FREE UK Indicator
UK:
https://amzn.to/2Ts726a
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/prey-bd?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=PREY-BD
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/dvd_reviews_67/prey_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Following the commercial success of Satan's Slave, Norman J Warren
next turned to science fiction. Barry Stokes (The Corruption of Chris Miller)
plays a carnivorous, shape-shifting alien on a fact-finding mission to Earth. He
discovers the rural house of a lesbian couple - played by Sally Faulkner (Vampyres)
and Glory Annen (Felicity) - and the three become embroiled in a claustrophobic
psychological drama of sex and violence. Region free
_____________________________
**Frank
Perry's "Rancho Deluxe"** Blu-ray - Jeff
Bridges @FunCityEdition
US:
https://amzn.to/3gIfCWW
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/frank-perrys-blu-55493792
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/rancho_deluxe_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Frank Perry's Rancho Deluxe has an odd comedy angle but worked for me
as a carefree crime-caper. Certainly more passive than Hell Or High Water with
rough-and-tumble survivalist cowboys plus also maintaining similar themes of the
disintegration of the West as in 1962's Lonely are the Brave with Kirk Douglas.
It's really like neither but I like Perry's ability to shift tones, have subtle
satirical dialogue and keep the story less predictable. I would watch Jeff
Bridges in almost anything. The Fun City Editions Blu-ray is great and the
Pinkerton commentary really helped me appreciate it more after my first viewing.
I can see this being a sleeper-favorite in our year-end poll. Absolutely
recommended!
_____________________________
Roger Corman's "The
Raven" Blu-ray - Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3t0R6p1
CAN: https://amzn.to/3sYt2mA
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/roger-cormans-55498493
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_raven_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTARY: "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, /
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,/ While I nodded, nearly
napping, suddenly there came a tapping, / As of some one gently rapping, rapping
at my chamber door. / "'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber
door. / Only this and nothing more."
Roger Corman's The Raven
has very cool, if juvenile, effects, grand Gothic sets and iconic stars... but
the talking bird and Lorre in the Raven costume were just over-the-top for me -
it really dampened my anticipatory mood I may have had in my initial viewing - I
still enjoyed it and certainly I was more forgiving as a child. So, yeah, it is
a comedy with fantasy/horror elements. I can appreciate that. The stand-alone
Kino Blu-ray gives us the new commentary, improved video (which is impacting)
and the handsome packaging. Nostalgic fans should see enough value to indulge.
_____________________________
**The River**
[Blu-ray] (Jean Renoir, 1951) RB UK BFI
UK:
https://amzn.to/3fbdsiw
OUR ALT-REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_66/the_river_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Director Jean Renoir’s entrancing first color feature—shot entirely on
location in India—is a visual tour de force. Based on the novel by Rumer Godden,
the film eloquently contrasts the growing pains of three young women with the
immutability of the holy Bengal River, around which their daily lives unfold.
Enriched by Renoir’s subtle understanding and appreciation for India and its
peoples, The River gracefully explores the fragile connections between
transitory emotions and everlasting creation.
_____________________________
Satan's Slave
[Blu-ray] (Norman J. Warren, 1976) Region FREE Indicator UK
UK:
https://amzn.to/3wqu9Mv
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/satans-slave-bd?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=SATANS-SLAVE-BD
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews56/satans_slave.htm
COMMENTS: Satan's Slave was perhaps director Warren's most talked-about picture,
usually discussed with regards to censorship and scenes depicting violence
against women. Indicator have a very loaded Blu-ray here with this new 2K
restoration by Indicator, the extras help to give context to the film, and its
numerous controversial aspects. This Blu-ray is truly something to treasure,
especially for fans of such offbeat and interesting material
_____________________________
Sound of
Violence [Blu-ray] (Alex Noyer, 2021) RB UK Dazzler Media
UK:
https://amzn.to/2TS3Kcn
COMMENTS: Alexis (Jasmin Savoy Brown) is a brilliant and formerly deaf young
woman who begins to suffer from synesthesia (a neurological condition where in
her case, she can ‘see’ sounds) after witnessing her family’s brutal murder. She
goes on a killing spree to record and mix the voice and sounds of her victims to
cope with the trauma.
_____________________________
**The Straight
Story** [Blu-ray] (David Lynch, 1999) Imprint
US:
https://amzn.to/2TJMt5e
OUR ALT-REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/Reviews/Straight%20Story.htm
COMMENTS: David Lynch offers an uncharacteristically straightforward and warmly
sentimental approach to his material in this film, based on a true story, about
an elderly man's journey to reconcile with his brother. Alvin Straight (Richard
Farnsworth) is an ailing widower in his early 70's who lives in Laurens, Iowa
with his daughter, Rose (Sissy Spacek), who is mildly retarded and has a speech
defect. Alvin doesn't trust doctors, despite suffering from emphysema and a bad
hip. Alvin learns that his brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) has suffered a
stroke and may not have long to live.
_____________________________
Terror
[Blu-ray] (Norman J. Warren, 1978) Region FREE UK Indicator
UK:
https://amzn.to/3fB1fE1
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/terror-bd?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=TERROR-BD
ALT-REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews56/terror_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Influenced by Dario Argento's horror classic Suspiria, director Norman
J Warren and screenwriter David McGillivray - reteaming two years after the
success of Satan's Slave - created an offbeat blend of satire and the
supernatural, sending up the British exploitation film industry while delivering
ever more outlandish set-pieces. An eclectic cast list includes John Nolan (Doomwatch),
Carolyn Courage (Space: 1999), Glynis Barber (Dempsey and Makepeace) and Peter
Mayhew, best known for playing Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies. Region free
_____________________________
Those Who Wish
Me Dead [Blu-ray] (Taylor Sheridan, 2021) Warner UK
UK:
https://amzn.to/3uuPbYV
COMMENTS: Angelina Jolie stars as Hannah, a smoke jumper reeling from the loss
of three young lives she failed to save from a fire. When she comes across a
bloodied and traumatized 12-year-old boy, they set out together to cross the
miles of thick forest with two assassins in pursuit. Braving deadly lightning
storms that threaten even Hannah’s well-honed survival skills, they are caught
between two relentless killers hunting the boy from one direction, and a massive
fiery blaze coming straight for them, quickly consuming everything in their
path.
_____________________________
A Touch of Love
[Blu-ray] (Waris Hussein, 1969) RB UK Network
UK:
https://amzn.to/3AZ97YC
COMMENTS: Oscar-winning actor Sandy Dennis gives an acclaimed performance
alongside Ian McKellen in this thoughtful 1960s drama about the complications
arising from a young woman's sexual awakening. Written by Margaret Drabble from
her own novel The Millstone, A Touch of Love. Rosamund, a determined but
unworldly student, accidentally becomes pregnant during a casual encounter. As
the reality of her situation hits home, Rosamund seems locked into one of two
unappealing options – until she decides that there's a third way.
___________________
LATEST CALENDAR
UPDATES:
September 20th, 2021
**The Thing 4K
UHD** (John Carpenter, 1982) Universal Pictures UK
https://amzn.to/3D8tB2b
**The Thing 4K
UHD (Steelbook)** (John Carpenter, 1982) Universal Pictures UK
https://amzn.to/3y1WiK9
**The Window**
(Ted Tetzlaff, 1949) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/2UAn66D
________
September 27th, 2021
**The Hunchback
of Notre Dame** (Wallace Worsley, 1923) Kino
https://amzn.to/3glDTSI
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews33/hunchback_of_notre_dame.htm
________
October 4th, 2021
**The Don Knotts
Collection** (The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Reluctant Astronaut, The
Shakiest Gun in the West, The Love God?, How to Frame a Figg) Shout! Factory
https://amzn.to/3j5wV6f
Let's Make Love
(George Cukor, 1960) RB UK Signal One Entertainment
https://amzn.to/3D3i6sG
This is Francis X.
Bushman - Flicker Alley
https://amzn.to/3D9qZkk
A Reflection of
Fear (William A. Fraker, 1972) Imprint
https://amzn.to/3z8CWof
Scream, Pretty
Peggy (Gordon Hessler, 1973) Kino
https://amzn.to/382qb2y
The Screaming
Woman (Jack Smight, 1972) Kino
https://amzn.to/2XLXXav
**Universal
Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Collection 4K UHD** (Dracula,
Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, The Wolf Man) Universal
https://amzn.to/3kadwjS
The Victim
(Herschel Daugherty, 1972) Kino
https://amzn.to/3gotcib
________
October 11th, 2021
The Browning
Version (1951) / The Browning Version (1994) Imprint
https://amzn.to/3mhRXjX
**The Guns of
Navarone 4K UHD** (J. Lee Thompson, 1961) Sony
https://amzn.to/3j4PcjW
**The Hunt for
Red October 4K UHD** (John McTiernan, 1990) Paramount UK
https://amzn.to/3z6OND3
**Kolchak: The
Night Stalker: The Complete Series** - Kino
https://amzn.to/2W6jsCw
**The Last
Sunset** (Robert Aldrich, 1961) Kino
https://amzn.to/3mhRGNX
**Misery 4K
UHD** (Rob Reiner, 1990) Kino
https://amzn.to/3z94bii
**Rainer Werner
Fassbinder Collection Volume 1** - Love is Colder Than Death (1969) -
Katzelmacher (1969) - The Merchant of Four Seasons (1971) - The Bitter Tears of
Petra von Kant (1972) - Tenderness of the Wolves (1973) Arrow UK
https://amzn.to/3kbLa8S
**Vera Cruz**
(Robert Aldrich, 1954) Kino
https://amzn.to/3z64QBd
________
October 18th, 2021
**Come
September** (Robert Mulligan, 1961) Kino
https://amzn.to/2WdaSkS
**The Guns of
Navarone 4K UHD** (J. Lee Thompson, 1961) Sony UK
https://amzn.to/3mmZvBO
**Roadgames** (Richard
Franklin, 1981) RB UK Indicator
https://amzn.to/2XFJOLL
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/roadgames-bd?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=ROADGAMES-BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_66/road_games_blu-ray.htm
The Sabata
Trilogy (Sabata, Adiós Sabata, Return of Sabata) RB UK Eureka
https://amzn.to/3k8ae0m
**The Seventh
Seal 4K UHD** (Ingmar Bergman, 1957) RB UK BFI
https://amzn.to/3mqyhdF
**The Silence of
the Lambs 4K UHD** (Jonathan Demme, 1991) Kino
https://amzn.to/3B0ZyYd
Yokai Monsters
Collection ( 100 Monsters, Spook Warfare, Along with Ghosts) Arrow US
US:
https://amzn.to/3mmzwuk
UK:
https://amzn.to/2WbTugy
________
October 25th, 2021
**Deep Red 4K
UHD** (Dario Argento, 1975) Arrow
US:
https://amzn.to/3D5y2dZ
UK:
https://amzn.to/3mlfWyF
EARLY UNIVERSAL
VOL. 2 (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - 1916, The Calgary Stampede -
1925, What Happened to Jones? - 1926) RB UK Eureka
https://amzn.to/3mrO4cp
**Giallo
Collection** - The Possessed (1965), The Fifth Cord (1971), The Pyjama
Girl Case (1978) - Arrow
US:
https://amzn.to/3j7S3J4
UK:
https://amzn.to/3B3M5yG
**Hatchet for
the Honeymoon** (Mario Bava, 1970) RB UK 88 Films
https://amzn.to/2W5Rve5
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_73/hatchet_for_the_honeymoon_blu-ray.htm
**Invasion of
the Body Snatchers** (Don Siegel, 1956) RB UK BFI
https://amzn.to/2WfzoC5
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReviews24/invasion_of_the_body_snatchers_blu-ray.htm
**Short Sharp
Shocks Vol.2** (Quiz Crime No.1, Quiz Crime No.2, The Three Children,
Escape from Broadmoor, Mingaloo, Jack The Ripper with Screaming – Lord Sutch,
The Face of Darkness, The Dumb Waiter, Hangmanand The Mark of Lilith) RB UK BFI
https://amzn.to/3mjyG1p
________
November 1st, 2021
**La strada**
(Federico Fellini, 1954) Criterion
https://amzn.to/2UCWvpJ
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_77/la_strada_blu-ray.htm
November 8th, 2021
**Pandora and
the Flying Dutchman** (Albert Lewin, 1951) RB UK Screenbound Pictures
Ltd
https://amzn.to/2XMeTh5
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_129/pandora_and_the_flying_dutchman_blu-ray.htm
________
November 15th, 2021
**The Beast Must
Die** (Román Viñoly Barreto, 1952) Flicker Alley
https://amzn.to/3mma9cb
**The Bitter
Stems** (Los Tallos Amargos) (Fernando Ayala, 1956) Flicker Alley
https://amzn.to/3szcd1D
CINEMATIC
VENGEANCE! 8 Kung Fu Classics From Director Joseph Kuo (The 7
Grandmasters, The 36 Deadly Styles, The World of Drunken Master, The Old Master,
Shaolin Kung Fu, The Shaolin Kids, 18 Bronzemen,and Return of the 18 Bronzemen)
RB UK Eureka
https://amzn.to/2Wehpfx
**Mulholland Dr.
4K UHD** (David Lynch, 2001) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3D6ggHG
**Once Upon a
Time in China: The Complete Films** (Once Upon a Time in China, Once
Upon a Time in China II, Once Upon a Time in China III and Once Upon a Time in
China and America) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3D3uoRP
________
November 22nd, 2021
**Citizen Kane
4K UHD** (Orson Welles, 1941) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3j5vg0j
Mae West in
Hollywood, 1932-1943 (I'm No Angel, Belle of the Nineties, Go West
Young Man, Every Day's a Holiday, Goin' to Town, My Little Chickadee, She Done
Him Wrong, Night After Night, Klondike Annie and The Heat's On) RB UK Indicator
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/mae-west-in-hollywood-1932-1943-le?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=MAE-WEST-IN-HOLLYWOOD-LE
https://amzn.to/3sByiMO
**Menace II
Society 4K UHD** (Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes, 1993) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3AZWD1R
**Naked**
(Mike Leigh, 1993) RB UK BFI
https://amzn.to/381DPTt
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReviews17/naked_dvd_review.htm
________
November 29th, 2011
**Les enfants
terribles** (Jean-Pierre Melville, 1950) RB UK BFI
https://amzn.to/2XMbcYL
________________________________________________
REVIEWS /
COMPARISONS:
Roger Corman's "The
Raven" Blu-ray - Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3t0R6p1
CAN: https://amzn.to/3sYt2mA
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/roger-cormans-55498493
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_raven_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTARY: "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, /
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,/ While I nodded, nearly
napping, suddenly there came a tapping, / As of some one gently rapping, rapping
at my chamber door. / "'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber
door. / Only this and nothing more."
Roger Corman's The Raven
has very cool, if juvenile, effects, grand Gothic sets and iconic stars... but
the talking bird and Lorre in the Raven costume were just over-the-top for me -
it really dampened my anticipatory mood I may have had in my initial viewing - I
still enjoyed it and certainly I was more forgiving as a child. So, yeah, it is
a comedy with fantasy/horror elements. I can appreciate that. The stand-alone
Kino Blu-ray gives us the new commentary, improved video (which is impacting)
and the handsome packaging. Nostalgic fans should see enough value to indulge.
________________________
**Frank
Perry's "Rancho Deluxe"** Blu-ray - Jeff
Bridges @FunCityEdition
US:
https://amzn.to/3gIfCWW
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/frank-perrys-blu-55493792
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/rancho_deluxe_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Frank Perry's Rancho Deluxe has an odd comedy angle but worked for me
as a carefree crime-caper. Certainly more passive than Hell Or High Water with
rough-and-tumble survivalist cowboys plus also maintaining similar themes of the
disintegration of the West as in 1962's Lonely are the Brave with Kirk Douglas.
It's really like neither but I like Perry's ability to shift tones, have subtle
satirical dialogue and keep the story less predictable. I would watch Jeff
Bridges in almost anything. The Fun City Editions Blu-ray is great and the
Pinkerton commentary really helped me appreciate it more after my first viewing.
I can see this being a sleeper-favorite in our year-end poll. Absolutely
recommended!
________________________
**Walerian
Borowczyk's "Love Rites"** Blu-ray - Marina
Pierro @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2WtoMjw
CAN: https://amzn.to/3mHgP4X
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/walerian-love-55472447
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/love_rites_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Walerian Borowczyk's Love Rites is another of the director's film with
themes of sex and identity. I quote from Jeremy Mark Robinson's book "Walerian
Borowczyk: Cinema of Erotic Dreams":
"Walerian Borowczyk
(known as 'Boro') is one of cinema's one-offs. Quite simply, there is no
filmmaker quite like Borowczyk. Borowczyk's films have an astonishing, magical
quality. They reach a place very rare in contemporary cinema, and are quite
unlike the films of any other auteur. Borowczyk's films create their own space,
with imagery, sounds and music of a really exceptional power."
As Eric states in the
DVD comparison of Love Rites, "Based on the novel "Everything Disappears" by
Andre Pieyre de Mandiargues (Borowcyzk's La Marge and Jack Cardiff's Girl on a
Motorcycle), Love Rites is simplistic in plot yet utterly stylish in execution
as one would expect from Borowczyk with festishic attention to objects, delicate
lighting, and painterly composition. Like most male roles in Borowczyk's films,
Carriere's performance is merely functional but he is not asked to do much; in
fact, his lack of facial expression intentionally suggests a stasis of
personality compared to the multi-faceted nature of Pierro's character and the
obsessive attention of the camera to her face as she makes it up on the train."
The Kino Blu-ray should
be very pleasing for Walerian Borowczyk fans - this, Love Rites, being his last
feature. With the essential Bird commentary, both cuts, a short by the director
and the Carriere interview make it a very desirable purchase for cinephiles.
Absolutely recommended!
________________________
**John
Badham's "The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings"**
Blu-ray - Billy Dee Williams / James Earl Jones / Richard Pryor
UK:
https://amzn.to/3ykqpwI
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/john-badhams-all-55469229
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/the-bingo-long-traveling-all-stars-motor-kings-le?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=BINGO-LONG-LE
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/bingo_long_traveling_all-stars_motor_kings_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: John Badham's The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings is
joyful, heartwarming, historical, funny and it has great wardrobe (uniforms),
sets, art direction - highlighted by the HD transfer. We see the injustices in
the era of racial segregation and I love that some characters and situations are
loosely based upon real-life people and incidents... and trying to guess who is
supposed to be who. Ex. Bingo's stunt referencing one by "Satchel" Paige
(calling in his outfield while leading in the ninth inning,) Leon Carter as Josh
Gibson etc. The entertaining Harlem Globetrotter-esque fielding plays are
classic. It's a wonderful film - looking and sounding authentic on the Indicator
Blu-ray that includes a revealing director commentary and the hour documentary -
essential to baseball fans plus another of their great limited edition booklets.
Our highest recommendation!
________________________
**Jacques
Deray's "Gang" / "Three Men to Kill"** Blu-ray
- Alain Delon @CohenFilm @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2WvCtOz
CAN: https://amzn.to/3Drqen2
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/jacques-derays-55462117
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/gang_three_men_to_kill_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Well as 'Jacques Deray - Alain Delon' Double Feature. You could see
these both - especially Three Men to Kill - fitting in the Neo-Noir category.
While I wasn't as keen on Gang (Delon's hair was goofy although accurate to his
character I presume) as a disorganized crime-gang actioner, I loved Three Men to
Kill as Delon's 'Michel Gerfaut' gets caught in a strange witness-assassination
attempt - we can see that he's up for the challenge. Yeah, there is value here
on Cohen Media's bare-bones Blu-ray. A superstar actor and a formidable director
of crime and thriller films makes for a decent double-feature night. Watch with
a bottle of Bordeaux.
________________________
"Master of the
World" Blu-ray - Vincent Price / Charles Bronson @Kinolorber
US:
https://amzn.to/38kc9t4
CAN: https://amzn.to/3BfBmBm
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/master-of-world-55458372
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/master_of_the_world_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: William Witney's Master of the World isn't the most effective
'Verne-to-screen' fantasy sci-fi but I have fond memories of it as a boy
(nothing beats Mysterious Island for me.) Stalwart Bronson, conniving Price and
crotchety Hull add good flavor alongside the ambitious effects. I do like the
Baxter score as well. Nostalgia was, personally, high for me and others may
enjoy the Captain-Nemo-esque-"destroy the warships" story. The Kino Blu-ray is
the one to get, superior video, and two commentaries (one new, one old) and it
includes the lengthy Matheson documentary plus the packaging. The Weaver et all
commentary alone may be worth it to double-dip. To the niche of fans of this
genre, it is recommended!
________________________
**"Corruption"**
Blu-ray - Peter Cushing @indicatorseries
UK:
https://amzn.to/3gGC9DI
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/corruption-le?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=CORRUPTION-LE
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/corruption-blu-55450117
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/corruption_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Robert Hartford-Davis's Corruption has been given a bad critical rap,
most probably for pushing the envelope in regards to the gruesome, shocking
visuals - that still have head-turning impact today. Peter Cushing (it would
have been his 108th birthday this year!) is excellent and, while the film
doesn't travel in the directions some would hope, it still has a solid concept
and tells a creepy story at a suspense pace. It's a pretty rare-bird and may
have appeal from that standpoint alone. indicator continue with very complete
Blu-ray packages of keen fan films, just like this. Fans of the horror genre,
Cushing or British films of the late 60's - not Hammer but has shades of the
studio's work - will probably appreciate Corruption. The Indicator Blu-ray wins
in all categories, a/v - supplements, between the two editions. Theirs is quite
an impressive package Corruption is still, very much worth seeing and owning,
imo.
________________________
**Cold
War Creatures: Four Films from Sam Katzman: "The Giant Claw"**
Blu-ray - Jeff Morrow / Mara Corday @ArrowFilmsVideo
US:
https://amzn.to/3sWzUkv
UK: https://amzn.to/3kq4ajY
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/cold-war-four-55434811
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_giant_claw_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Giant Claw is incorrectly identified as the 'worst'
creature-feature - but instead, is simply the cheesiest. The liberal use of weak
stock footage, minimal on-screen time of the creature plenty of shadows),
visibility of wires and the awkward 'puppet' visuals - support this, low-budget,
claim. It has the iconic Jeff Morrow ( a favorite - This Island Earth) and
appealing Mara Corday (The Quiet Gun, Tarantula, Man Without a Star). The
Blu-ray from Arrow has a commentary, intro by Kim Newman, visual essay and the
package has booklets. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the film especially with
its charismatic flaws. One of the great creature-feature throwaways of the era.
No collection is complete without it on Blu-ray.
________________________
**David
Greene's "The People Next Door"** Blu-ray -
Deborah Winters / Eli Wallach @Indicatorseries
UK:
https://amzn.to/2SfXSZN
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/the-people-next-door-le?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=THE-PEOPLE-NEXT-DOOR-LE
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/david-greenes-54069036
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_141/the_people_next_door_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: David Greene's The People Next Door is one of the better 70's films
about the effects on parents of drug use by their children, the generation gap
specifically in regards to the counter culture movement, and new experimentation
with LSD. The daughter seems partly a victim of the changing times than solely
of drug abuse. This expands the film's themes enormously and there are subtle
details involving family stress on relationships - exposing its dysfunction -
and the The People Next Door deals with them objectively. It's filled with bravo
performances from Eli Wallach, Julie Harris, Deborah Winters, Hal Holbrook,
Cloris Leachman and others. The Indicator Blu-ray adds a commentary, multiple
interviews and the limited edition booklet. Both have value but the UK edition
wins in the a/v and supplements. Strongly recommended!
________________________
**"The
Last Man on Earth"** Blu-ray - Vincent Price @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3Drayju
CAN: https://amzn.to/3zoauie
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/last-man-on-blu-55411740
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_63/the_last_man_on_earth_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I have a huge soft spot for The Last Man on Earth - the pioneer
precursor of Matheson's 'zombie apocalypse' story that launched into its entire,
own, genre. I could watch this at any time - Vincent Price is great (I can't
imagine anyone else in the role). It's modest budget gives it charm and I love
the widescreen black and white. The Kino Blu-ray is the one to get, imo. A big
'keeper' for me.
________________________
**Richard
Marquand's "Jagged Edge"** Blu-ray Jeff
Bridges / Glenn Close @indicatorseries
UK: https://amzn.to/3mBMQLJ
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/jagged-edge-le?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=JAGGED-EDGE-BD
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/jagged-edge-blu-55408116
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_141/jagged_edge_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Richard Marquand's Jagged Edge was part of a mid-80's wave of solid
murder thrillers that had a romance angle - following after 1981's Body Heat,
before Fatal Attraction (with Glenn Close contrastingly playing the 'murderous
paramour') and Sea of Love while prefacing 90's efforts like Paul Verhoeven's
Basic Instinct. This also could be viewed as a suspenseful courtroom drama as we
spend ample time there with surprise revelations. It's certainly above-average
entertainment and part of our neo-noir listing. Jagged Edge has strong
performances from Bridges, Close, Coyote and Loggia. It's one of those film you
love to tuck into - with twists and turns - adeptly realized by Marquand. So
nice to see Indicator provide a real Blu-ray package in their usual complete
fashion. Easily, it is the one to own. Absolutely recommended!
________________________
**Bernard
McEveety's "The Brotherhood of Satan"**
Blu-ray - Strother Martin @ArrowFilmsVideo @imprint_films
Arrow:
US:
https://amzn.to/2WvLfML
CAN: https://amzn.to/3zn0zJQ
UK: https://amzn.to/3klQHJO
Imprint:
US:
https://amzn.to/2UW3Cd2
CAN: https://amzn.to/3gCyF51
UK: https://amzn.to/3jmt58W
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/bernard-of-satan-55387614
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_141/the_brotherhood_of_satan_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Bernard McEveety's The Brotherhood of Satan is certainly an
interesting horror film with elements of Rosemary’s Baby and I might even
include The Wicker Man. I loved the first 20-minutes with guesses to the plot's
direction, cover-ups and small town desert locale. I was less-enthused with the
overdone rituals later in the film. Strother Martin is allowed to ham it up
somewhat, I always remember L.Q. Jones for his small part in The Edge (barely
scratching the surface of his roles) and Alvy Moore from Green Acres as Hank
Kimball. It was very interesting to learn about their producer-teaming projects
and the unique films they made. I would watch The Brotherhood of Satan again -
there is some nostalgia appeal for early 70's horror. Both Arrow and Imprint
Blu-rays have value with excellent supplements. At the current pricing I would
lean to the Arrow.
________________________
**"Beasts
of No Nation"** Blu-ray - Abraham Attah @Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3zgckBH
CAN: https://amzn.to/3sNTzTR
UK: https://amzn.to/3jjyPjs
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/beasts-of-no-blu-55377989
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_142/beasts_of_no_nation_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Cary Joji Fukunaga's Beasts of No Nation is so impacting - a powerful
film of tragedy, lost youth, corruption, manipulation and much more. The
performances are exceptionally realistic and it can feel like a documentary as
the vérité is so adeptly expressed. I was blown away. The Criterion Blu-ray is
up to their exacting standards - director-approved transfer, director
commentary, interviews and the hour-long documentary. This unforgettable film
should be seen. Our highest recommendation!
_________________________
http://www.dvdbeaver.com